Surgical FAQ for Pets Following a procedure with Cladda
- Marie-Victorine McKeown
- May 7
- 5 min read
Surgery can be a stressful time for both pets and their owners. When your furry friend needs surgery, knowing what to expect before, during, and after the procedure helps you feel more confident and prepared. I want to share answers to common questions about pet surgery recovery, care, and follow-up. This guide covers everything from how long healing takes to managing medications and activity restrictions. It also includes tips on spotting problems early and when to call your veterinary team.
Whether your pet is having a routine procedure or a more complex orthopedic surgery, understanding the process will help you support their recovery and keep them comfortable.
How Long Will My Pet Take to Recover?
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery your pet has. For most routine surgeries, pets usually recover within 10 to 14 days. During this time, you’ll notice your pet gradually returning to their normal self.
More complex surgeries, especially orthopedic ones like TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy), require longer healing. For TPLO, strict activity restriction is necessary for about 8 to 10 weeks. This helps the bone heal properly and prevents complications.
Even if your pet seems active and playful before full healing, it’s important to follow the activity restrictions your vet gives you. This ensures the surgery site heals well and avoids setbacks.
Is It Normal for My Pet to Be Sleepy After Surgery?
Yes, it is normal. Anesthesia and pain medications can make your pet sleepy or less energetic for 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Mild sedation is expected during this time.
If your pet is very hard to wake, extremely lethargic, or seems confused, contact your veterinary team immediately. These signs could mean your pet needs medical attention.
When Will My Pet Be Back to Normal?
Many pets start acting like themselves within a few days after surgery. However, full healing, especially inside the body, takes longer. Even if your pet seems fine, keep following the care instructions and activity limits until your vet says otherwise.
Eating and Drinking After Surgery
Why Isn’t My Pet Eating?
It’s common for pets to have a decreased appetite for the first 24 hours after surgery. This is usually due to anesthesia effects and mild discomfort.
If your pet hasn’t eaten anything after 24 hours, call your vet. They can check if something else is going on.
Can I Give Treats or Normal Food?
Yes, unless your vet tells you not to. Start with small portions and watch for vomiting or upset stomach. Treats can help encourage eating but should be given carefully.
Bathroom Habits After Surgery
Is It Normal If My Pet Hasn’t Had a Bowel Movement?
Yes, it can take up to 5 days for bowel movements to return after surgery. This delay is normal due to anesthesia and reduced activity.
If your pet hasn’t had a bowel movement after 5 days or is straining, contact your vet.
What If My Pet Isn’t Urinating?
Not urinating is not normal and requires immediate veterinary attention. If you notice this, call your vet right away.
Medications and What to Do If Problems Occur
What If I Miss a Dose?
Give the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up on medication unless your vet tells you to.
My Pet Vomited After Medication. What Should I Do?
Skip the next dose and call your vet for advice. They may adjust the medication or suggest a different approach.
My Pet Seems Very Sedated or Not Sedated Enough. What Should I Do?
Call your vet. They may need to change the medication dose to keep your pet comfortable and safe.
Incision Care
What Should the Incision Look Like?
A healing incision usually has slight redness and swelling. It should be clean, dry, and closed.
What Is Not Normal?
Watch for:
Discharge like pus or blood
Opening of the incision
Significant swelling or redness
Foul odor
If you see any of these signs, contact your vet immediately.
Can My Pet Lick the Incision?
No. Licking can cause infection or open the incision. Use an e-collar (cone) at all times until your vet says it’s safe to remove it, usually at the 2-week recheck.
Activity Restrictions and Keeping Your Pet Calm
Why Does My Pet Need to Stay Calm?
Too much activity can cause internal bleeding, swelling, or the incision to open. For orthopedic surgeries, keeping your pet calm is crucial to allow bones to heal properly. If your pet is too active, the surgery might fail, and more surgery could be needed.
How Do I Keep My Pet Calm?
Use a crate or small room without furniture to jump on
Take only short leash walks, no running or jumping
Use prescribed sedatives if your vet recommends them
Orthopedic Surgery Questions
Is Limping Normal?
Yes, limping is common early in recovery. Your pet should start using the limb more as healing progresses.
When Should I Be Concerned?
Call your vet if you notice:
Your pet stops using the limb after previously using it
Sudden worsening of limping
Excessive swelling
Should I Do Exercises Like PROM (Passive Range of Motion)?
Only if your vet instructed you to do so. These exercises help maintain joint flexibility and should be done gently and as tolerated.
When Should I Call the Clinic Immediately?
Call your vet right away if your pet has:
Difficulty breathing
Not eating for more than 24 hours
Not urinating
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Incision problems like opening, discharge, or bleeding
Extreme lethargy or collapse
Sudden change in limb use (for orthopedic cases)
Follow-Up Care
When Is My Recheck Appointment?
Usually, rechecks happen 10 to 14 days after surgery unless your vet gives other instructions.
Do Sutures Need to Be Removed?
Some sutures dissolve on their own, while others need removal. Your vet will tell you what to expect at discharge.
Supporting Your Pet’s Recovery with the Right Products
During recovery, certain products can make care easier and safer. For example, an e-collar helps prevent your pet from licking the incision. At Cladda Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Team, we provide high-quality e-collars designed for comfort and effectiveness. You can learn more about our e-collar options here.
For pets recovering from orthopedic surgery, a crate or small confinement area is essential to limit movement. We offer advice on setting up a safe recovery space that keeps your pet calm and secure.
If your pet needs medication to stay calm, we can prescribe sedatives tailored to your pet’s needs. These help reduce stress and prevent overactivity during healing.
Surgery recovery can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Following these guidelines and staying in touch with your veterinary team will help your pet heal safely and comfortably. If you ever feel unsure, it’s always best to call. We are here to support you and your pet every step of the way.
Thank you for trusting us with your pet’s care. We look forward to helping your furry family member get back to their happy, healthy self.
